Topics:
- Public & Stakeholder Participation Information
- Proposed Regulations to Improve Air Quality and Reduce Ozone
- Dates to Remember
- AQI Alerts for Respiratory Health
Public & Stakeholder Participation Information:
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Part 218 public hearing on March 11, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. in Albany, NY, regarding amendments to Part 218 Emission Standards for Motor Vehicles and Motor Vehicle Engines.
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Part 231 stakeholder webinar on March 27, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. EDT, to discuss possible revisions to Part 231 New Source Review for New and Modified Facilities (PDF).
- Part 227-3 public hearings will be held at 11:00 a.m. in Albany on May 6, 2019; Stony Brook on May 13, 2019; and Long Island City on May 14, 2019, regarding the proposed changes to 6 NYCRR Subpart 227-3, Ozone Season Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) Emission Limits for Simple Cycle and Regenerative Combustion Turbines. Written comments taken through 5 p.m. on May 20, 2019.
- Various projects in the Environmental Notice Bulletin (ENB).
Additional information and access to past announcements are on our Public & Stakeholder Participation Information page.
Air Mail! will now be the publication to announce public and stakeholder information about air quality topics. All NYS residents are environmental stakeholders – we welcome anyone to join the information sessions and other opportunities posted here.
Proposed Regulations to Improve Air Quality and Reduce Harmful Ozone Caused By Power Plant Emissions
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation released proposed regulations to improve air quality and protect public health with new, stringent requirements on peak-use power plants. The proposal will substantially reduce emissions from the "peaking" power plants operating on the hottest days with the most air pollution. These dirty, inefficient plants are also major sources of carbon pollution. Transitioning away from them is a critical component of achieving Governor Cuomo's nation-leading Green New Deal. These regulations will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and shift to 100 percent clean electricity by 2040.
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "This proposal will provide millions of New Yorkers with cleaner and healthier air to breathe, particularly in communities located near the state's oldest and dirtiest power plants. It will also support the Governor's nation-leading goal of transitioning to a carbon-neutral economy."
The proposed changes to 6 NYCRR Part 227-3 were published in the State Register and are available on DEC's website. Public hearings on the proposed regulations will be held at 11:00 a.m. in Albany on May 6, 2019; Stony Brook on May 13, 2019; and Long Island City on May 14, 2019, with written comments taken through 5 p.m. on May 20, 2019.
Dates to Remember:
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March 12: GreenNY Sustainability Lunchtime Learning Webinar: Buying Local Food - What food tastes best? New York's, of course! Learn about how you can support New York farmers and small businesses, lower your carbon footprint, and enjoy the tastiest food available.
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March 16 to May 14: Annual spring burn ban - Temporarily outlaws residential brush and yard debris burning statewide.
Stay Informed about Your Air Quality
New York's ozone season runs from April through September. DEC publishes ground-level ozone forecasts during ozone season, and particulate matter pollution forecasts year-round using the Air Quality Index (AQI). DEC sends out an air quality alert when there is a high AQI value, which indicates polluted air. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, and people who exercise outdoors should take caution during an air quality alert. Find out if an Air Quality Alert is in effect by calling the toll-free Ozone Hotline: 1-800-535-1345.
The AQI can be accessed in three ways:
We would like to know what you think. Please send your Air Mail! questions or comments to us at DAR.web@dec.ny.gov.
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